# Trust in Real Estate Services Act

### **Introduction to the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA)**

The <span class="s2">**Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA)**</span> is the legislation that governs how real estate professionals in Ontario operate. It replaced the former <span class="s2">**Real Estate and Business Brokers Act (REBBA)**</span> with the goal of strengthening consumer protection, enhancing transparency, and elevating professional standards in the real estate industry.

TRESA sets out the rules for:

- <span class="s1">**Licensing and registration**</span> of real estate brokerages, brokers, and salespersons
- <span class="s1">**Code of Ethics**</span> and conduct expectations
- <span class="s1">**Disclosure obligations**</span> to clients and consumers
- **Advertising guidelines**
- <span class="s1">**Compliance and enforcement**</span> powers held by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO)

At its core, TRESA aims to build <span class="s2">**public trust**</span> in real estate services by ensuring clients receive fair, ethical, and professional representation. As of the most recent updates (including those effective December 1, 2023), TRESA also introduces greater flexibility for brokerages, including <span class="s2">**designated representation**</span>, an <span class="s2">**open offer process**</span>, and a clearer distinction between <span class="s2">**clients**</span> and <span class="s2">**self-represented parties**</span>.

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#### [Link to TRESA](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/02r30)

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